07/08/2013

Review, Interview and Giveaway for Down and Out in Bugtussle (Mad Fat Girl #3) by Stephanie McAfee

Happy Monday! I hope you all had a fantastic weekend. I am back today with an author that I am so excited for you all to meet, if you haven't yet! Stephanie Mcafee author of Diary of a Mad Fat Girlis another one of those little indie authors who could. Her first book, Diary of a Mad Fat Girl, was an indie, self published gem that I was lucky enough to snatch up and read when it was a $.99 find back in 2011. Mcafee's Ace Jones is a character you won't forget. She is funny and not afraid to speak her mind! Ace obviously won plenty of hearts over because Stephanie was signed by Penguin! Diary of a Mad Fat Girl and its two sequels: Happily Ever Madder and Down and Out in Bugtussle are the perfect books for those who are looking for a laugh and a character many can relate to.

I am thrilled to be able to host Stephanie today for a short interview. Let me tell you a bit more about Stephanie:

Stephanie was born and raised in Mississippi, graduated from Booneville High School and attended Northeast Mississippi Community College (where she changed her major about sixty times during the two years she was there). Stephanie also attended Mississippi State University and eventually graduated from Ole Miss with a B.A. in English. After that came a Master's from the University of Alabama. So if nothing else, perhaps that explains her deep-seeded love for all things SEC, especially football. Stephanie now lives in Florida with her husband, young son and chiweenie dog. You can find Stephanie on her website, blog,Twitter, Facebook and Goodreads.

Please welcome Stephanie!

Hi Stephanie! I am delighted to host you on my blog, I am a big fan. I read Diary of a Mad Fat Girl back in 2011 when it was still a a self pubbed $.99 gem. I laughed my butt off at Ace's antics, especially her failed workout attempt and the subsequent use of frozen peas. I think more readers need to meet Ace.

Can you tell everyone a bit about Ace and what they can expect when reading your books?

Ace Jones is a character who rails against hypocrisy and small town politics which
means she has to deal with a lot of “grown-up” bullies. She says what needs to be said, stands up for her friends, and isn’t opposed to whipping out a pair of binoculars if it’s absolutely necessary.

Is there a real life inspiration for Ace?

I think most people have some aspect of Ace Jones in their personality. It’s that part of us that wants to tell people to put their cellphones away at dinner or to stop acting rude or ignorant. But we can’t because we don’t want get involved in a brouhaha or get fired from our jobs.

What was your experience like going from a self pubbed author to getting signed by a major publisher?

Even now, two years later, it’s still hard to believe because this is literally a dream come true for me. I consider myself extraordinarily lucky and I’m so thankful for this amazing opportunity. It’s been a lot of stress and a lot of hard work, but I’ve loved every minute of it. Especially going to bookstores and meeting people who love my books. It’s been truly fantastic.

What advice do you have for any aspiring authors out there who are thinking of going the self pubbed route in hopes of bigger and better things?

Go for it! There are so many resources available now and I say take advantage of all of it. Read books and articles about how to write well and self-publish. Every time I visit a bookstore, I always browse the writing section. Find a good editor, someone you know and trust and then don’t get mad when they critique your work (this is why my husband can’t be my editor –haha). It’s a great time to be a writer. So many opportunities! And be nice. Put out that positive juju because that’s what you want to get back.

Will Ace really ever reform and become a nicer person?

Ace Jones is only not nice to people who are not nice so I have to say the answer to this question is no. She will always be the anti-bully and stand up to the meanies.

What are some of Ace's favorite foods?

Pizza, hot wings, and cold beer.

What is next for Ace and the gang?

In Down & Out in Bugtussle, which just came out July 2, Ace has moved home from
Pelican Cove and wants to put her life back together. She wants her old job back but the teacher hired to replace her had no plans to vacate the position; her two best friends, Chloe and Lilly, insist on setting her up on less-than-romantic blind dates; and her newest co-worker is so stuck in the ‘80s that she still hot rolls her hair and tight rolls her pants. Desperate for distraction, Ace decides to restore her grandmother’s gardens to their former glory but the well-worn gardening book she digs out of the attic reveals more than just how to make the flowers bloom. For more information about my books, please check out my website at stephanie-mcafee.com.

Since it is summer, could you share some of your picks for summer reads?

A huge thanks to Stephanie for taking time out of her busy schedule to answer my
questions! I hope you all will pick up her books, they are the perfect get away books when you need something light and funny. Ace's antics will make you laugh. Thanks to the good folks at Penguin, I am able too offer a chance to win Down and Out in Bugtussle by Stephanie McAfee. To enter read the Contest Policies and fill out the Rafflecopter. This giveaway is open to U.S. residents only.

When her dream life in Florida with her now-ex-fiancé goes south, so does Ace — she moves back home to Bugtussle, Mississippi, and into her late Gramma Jones' little house. But even though her best friends, Lilly and Chloe, are thrilled that she's returned home, not everything is smooth sailing. Ace wants her job back as art teacher at the high school, but the beautiful Cameron Becker has no plans to relinquish that position. Although Ace wants to run Miss Becker out of town, she accepts a job as a substitute teacher. On top of her job woes, Ace's friends keep setting her up on blind dates when all she really wants is for people to stop meddling in her love life. In her quest to find inner peace, Ace takes up gardening and discovers old love letters in her grandmother's well-worn gardening book. With her faithful chiweenie, Buster Loo, by her side, Ace is determined to get to the bottom of her Gramma's secret life, all while hoping her own doesn't implode. Paperback, 368 pages Published July 2nd 2013 by NAL Trade Source: Publisher for an honest review.

Four stars: Ace is back funnier than ever!

Ace packed up, closed her art gallery and left her former fiancé behind. She returned home to Bugtussle to her friends and her grandma's house. Even though it hurts to let go of her dreams, she is thankful to be back home among her friends. Ace accepts a job as a permanent substitute teacher in hopes of getting her old job back, but what Ace doesn't expect is to make some unlikely friends and grow a bit in spite of her issues with bullies and mean people. Can Ace find happiness back home where she belongs?

What I Liked:

I was pleased to see that Ace has gotten her sass and spark back. A bit of her snappy, snarky humor was missing in book two as she tried to turn over a new leaf and be nicer. I was glad that she gave that up and went back to standing up to the bullies and speaking her mind. Rest assured, there are plenty of mad cap moments as Ace gets into a few tangles because she refuses to back down, even if that means risking the wrath of the airport security all over Chapstick. If you loved Ace's humor in Diary of a Mad Fat Girl, you will enjoy her escapades in this book.

I adore Ace. She is one of those characters that you just can't help but like because she is genuine. She doesn't put on any airs and she is your normal, average every day person. She is a bit on the plump side because she tends to indulge in too much pizza and beer. Ace's witty humor makes me laugh out loud, and I am not talking the fake kind, I mean genuine laughing and snickering. I think many of us can sympathize with Ace as she struggles to fit into her pants, goes to work, deals with mean people and pushes through the day so she can rush home and change out of those too tight pants. If you are a fan of books with hilarious and realistic protagonists definitely give this series a try.

Even though Ace spends a great deal of time being angry and depressed about her broken dreams and too tight pants, she does show considerable growth in this book. She ends up taking her rival under her wing and helping her out even if it means she might lose out on getting her job back. I liked that Ace decided to take the high road. She is definitely moving beyond being mad and fat.

I love that this is a series that you can pick up any book and not miss a beat. There is not a main plot running through the books so you don't have to read them in order. These are books that you can grab and read and enjoy as they each follow whatever happens to be going on in Ace's life. These are simple, easy, funny reads perfect for when you need a pick me up or an afternoon on the beach or just lazing in the sun.

And The Not So Much:

I was a bit disappointed that there was not really much discussion on how things ended with Ace's fiancé. It mentioned that Ace went back and tried to work things out but failed. I would like to know more about what went down.

I was also frustrated that none of the story lines were picked up from book two, but then again it is nice that each book is its own story so you don't have to worry about reading them in order.

Down and Out in Bugtussle was the perfect summer read. I laughed and snickered at Ace's one of a kind humor. I love that this series follows a likable and realistic heroine who is battling the bulge and trying to find her happiness. I think many of us can relate to Ace's plight. If you are looking for a funny, mindless read to perk up your spirits or pull you out of a reading slump, I would highly recommend checking out The Diary of a Mad Fat Girl Series. I am a personally a big fan and I cannot wait to see what Ace will do next!

Favorite Quotations:

"I walk into the guest room and pick up the pants I ironed last night. When I put them on, I discover that they won't zip. Great, I think. Should've tried those on first. I head back to my closet and dig through my "teacher clothes" for the hundredth time. After several minutes of pure, unadulterated frustration, I locate a pair of black pants that I think will work. It's the "big" pair reserved for "fat" days. I take a deep breath and slip them on. It takes some huffing and puffing, but I finally get the bastards zipped. Who knew that two and a half months of wearing nothing but sweatpants would put such a strain on the ol' buttonholes?"

"I think about fist-whipping her fake tits until one pops out onto the gym floor, but then Chole would fire me for sure and I don't need that, so instead I say, "I'm supposed to be in the gym, Ms. Becker! "I'm not here on cock-watch."

"I start thinking I'd rather go lie in the parking lot and be run over by incoming traffic than be in this classroom all day, but I want my job back, so I've to to stay with it. My ass isn't getting any smaller and my pants aren't getting any bigger, but all I can do is sit there and fantasize about chocolate-covered doughnuts."

"Not happening. Sorry. I don't tolerate bitches and bullies. I never will."

"Damn those tight-ass "fat" pants. Damn them! I won't buy a size up, I won't. I put the book down and wonder if instead I should be reading a book called How Not to Be a Fatass When You've Read every Damned Book in Print About How Not to Be a Fatass but You're Still a Fatass and Here's Why!

"I'd rather have eyelashes burnt off with a flamethrower."

I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own and I was not compensated for this review.

Happily Ever Madder (Mad Fat Girl #2) by Stephanie McAfee

Diary of a Mad Fat Girl’ s plus-sized spitfire Graciela “Ace” Jones returns in a hilarious new adventure from New York Times bestselling author Stephanie McAfee.

Ace has left the tiny Mississippi town of Bugtussle for the palm fronds and mojitos of Pelican Cove, Florida. She’s finally opening her long-dreamed-of art gallery, is kick-starting a life with her fiancé, Mason, and has vowed to leave her straight-talking, sassy ways behind her. From now on, she’s going to be as sweet as sugar. Unfortunately, something comes along to sour her plans.

That something is Mrs. Lenore Kennashaw and her coterie of crones. They’re a bunch of snippy, snarky, and just plain mean ’ol ladies who aren’t quite as smart or rich as they’d like to think they are. But that doesn’t stop them from treating everyone else like second-class citizens. And when Ace inadvertently takes some of the steam from Mrs. Kennashaw’s stride, she becomes their #1 enemy. But with the support of a new group of fabulous friends, as well as her friends from Bugtussle—and her always-faithful chiweenie Buster Loo—Ace will find a way to make it, even if she has to throw some weight around…Paperback, 341 pages Published November 6th 2012 by NAL Trade Source: Publisher for an honest review.

Three and a half stars: Ace will make you laugh as she finds that there are bullies everywhere!

Ace believes she has found her happiness and all her dreams are about to come true. She is opening her own art gallery in Pelican Cove, Florida. She finally has landed the man of her dreams, Mason McKenzie, and she is free of all the bullies in Bugtussle. On the opening night of her gallery, Ace encounters the town's bully, Lenore Kennashaw. Ace doesn't exactly get off on the right foot with Lenore. Unbeknownst to Ace, Lenore takes it personally and decides to try and tamper with Ace's new business. Thankfully, Ace makes a few friends who have her back. Unfortunately, life in Florida isn't all roses. Mason works long hours and is hardly home, the gallery is boring and Ace is missing her friends in Bugtussle. Can Ace overcome the town mean girls and find her happiness in Florida?

What I Liked:

I was excited to meet up again with Ace and see how she is faring now that she has her man and her dreams. Just like in real life, there aren't always happily ever afters, and Ace is finding that there are mean people and bullies everywhere. At first, Ace is committed to turning over a new leaf and not letting her temper get the best of her, but soon in true Ace fashion, best intentions go out the window and Ace is back to being mad. Ace decides to strike back and that means a mission that involves breaking and entering, exposing frauds, and taking on the mean girls. You can be sure that there is plenty of hilarity as Ace and her friends attempt to win one for the mad, fat girls!

How I love Ace! She is one of those characters that you can't help but like because she is real! Ace is a plus sized girl, and she comfortable in her own skin. She eats what she wants, wear flip flops and doesn't seem to give a damn what others think of her. I love that she is content with her appearance, and I love that her fiancé loves her just the way she is. It is nice to read a book where the heroine isn't uptight and always worrying about weight and outward appearances. On top of all that, Ace is a straight shooter and she isn't afraid to speak her mind. When she is bullied, she only takes so much before she lets them have it. Gotta love a girl who can dish it out. Ace cracks me up with her snarky humor, and I am always eager to see what kind of trouble she can get into!

This is a growing book for Ace. In the first book, she was mad, angry and depressed that she had lost her man. This time, she learns that perhaps she didn't have such a bad life in Bugtussle and she comes to appreciate friends and understand that there are no happily ever afters. Ace undergoes some big changes and definitely learns a thing or two.

And The Not So Much:

This book lacks a bit of hilarity compared to its predecessor, Diary of a Mad Fat Girl. In the beginning, Ace is committed to turning over a new leaf so she refuses to speak her mind. She also suffers from loneliness and she is a bit melancholy. Thus, the overall tone of the book isn't as funny. Thankfully, things pick up by the end and I thoroughly enjoyed the plotting against the town mean lady!

There are several unfinished story lines in this one. After all the devious plans, there is no resolution regarding the town bully. Did she get what she deserved? I also was disappointed that nothing really developed with the crazy ladies who ran Ace's home association. I would have liked a bit more resolution with these story lines.

The book ends on a cliffhanger and it seems all of Ace's dreams are down the drain. I was left eagerly anticipating the next book Down and Out in Bugtussle.

Happily Ever Madder is a funny book perfect for a day at the beach or anytime you are looking for a great pick me up read. Ace Jones is a likable and relatable character since she is plump and deals with plenty of bullies. I adore Ace and appreciate that she refuses to be bullied. Definitely get this series!

Favorite Quotations:

"Where will it go?" I ask as I walk across the floor of the gallery, thankful I wore my make-my-fat-ass-look-good jeans today because I can sense his eyes on my backside."

"Great," I say and make a mental note to take a steak knife with me next time I go to the office. Just in case I need to start sawing on my arm."

"When we sit down to eat, I say a silent prayer that he won't start talking about work, and then he starts talking about work and I start thinking about gouging my eyes out with my soupspoon, because then he'd have to stop talking and drive me to the emergency room. Or the nuthouse."

"I get upset and think about running back to my car and going home, but I need to get this done, so I just stand there and tell myself that I can do this because I wear my Big Girl Panties every day."

I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own and I was not compensated for this review.

Comments

Review, Interview and Giveaway for Down and Out in Bugtussle (Mad Fat Girl #3) by Stephanie McAfee

Happy Monday! I hope you all had a fantastic weekend. I am back today with an author that I am so excited for you all to meet, if you haven't yet! Stephanie Mcafee author of Diary of a Mad Fat Girlis another one of those little indie authors who could. Her first book, Diary of a Mad Fat Girl, was an indie, self published gem that I was lucky enough to snatch up and read when it was a $.99 find back in 2011. Mcafee's Ace Jones is a character you won't forget. She is funny and not afraid to speak her mind! Ace obviously won plenty of hearts over because Stephanie was signed by Penguin! Diary of a Mad Fat Girl and its two sequels: Happily Ever Madder and Down and Out in Bugtussle are the perfect books for those who are looking for a laugh and a character many can relate to.

I am thrilled to be able to host Stephanie today for a short interview. Let me tell you a bit more about Stephanie:

Stephanie was born and raised in Mississippi, graduated from Booneville High School and attended Northeast Mississippi Community College (where she changed her major about sixty times during the two years she was there). Stephanie also attended Mississippi State University and eventually graduated from Ole Miss with a B.A. in English. After that came a Master's from the University of Alabama. So if nothing else, perhaps that explains her deep-seeded love for all things SEC, especially football. Stephanie now lives in Florida with her husband, young son and chiweenie dog. You can find Stephanie on her website, blog,Twitter, Facebook and Goodreads.

Please welcome Stephanie!

Hi Stephanie! I am delighted to host you on my blog, I am a big fan. I read Diary of a Mad Fat Girl back in 2011 when it was still a a self pubbed $.99 gem. I laughed my butt off at Ace's antics, especially her failed workout attempt and the subsequent use of frozen peas. I think more readers need to meet Ace.

Can you tell everyone a bit about Ace and what they can expect when reading your books?

Ace Jones is a character who rails against hypocrisy and small town politics which
means she has to deal with a lot of “grown-up” bullies. She says what needs to be said, stands up for her friends, and isn’t opposed to whipping out a pair of binoculars if it’s absolutely necessary.

Is there a real life inspiration for Ace?

I think most people have some aspect of Ace Jones in their personality. It’s that part of us that wants to tell people to put their cellphones away at dinner or to stop acting rude or ignorant. But we can’t because we don’t want get involved in a brouhaha or get fired from our jobs.

What was your experience like going from a self pubbed author to getting signed by a major publisher?

Even now, two years later, it’s still hard to believe because this is literally a dream come true for me. I consider myself extraordinarily lucky and I’m so thankful for this amazing opportunity. It’s been a lot of stress and a lot of hard work, but I’ve loved every minute of it. Especially going to bookstores and meeting people who love my books. It’s been truly fantastic.

What advice do you have for any aspiring authors out there who are thinking of going the self pubbed route in hopes of bigger and better things?

Go for it! There are so many resources available now and I say take advantage of all of it. Read books and articles about how to write well and self-publish. Every time I visit a bookstore, I always browse the writing section. Find a good editor, someone you know and trust and then don’t get mad when they critique your work (this is why my husband can’t be my editor –haha). It’s a great time to be a writer. So many opportunities! And be nice. Put out that positive juju because that’s what you want to get back.

Will Ace really ever reform and become a nicer person?

Ace Jones is only not nice to people who are not nice so I have to say the answer to this question is no. She will always be the anti-bully and stand up to the meanies.

What are some of Ace's favorite foods?

Pizza, hot wings, and cold beer.

What is next for Ace and the gang?

In Down & Out in Bugtussle, which just came out July 2, Ace has moved home from
Pelican Cove and wants to put her life back together. She wants her old job back but the teacher hired to replace her had no plans to vacate the position; her two best friends, Chloe and Lilly, insist on setting her up on less-than-romantic blind dates; and her newest co-worker is so stuck in the ‘80s that she still hot rolls her hair and tight rolls her pants. Desperate for distraction, Ace decides to restore her grandmother’s gardens to their former glory but the well-worn gardening book she digs out of the attic reveals more than just how to make the flowers bloom. For more information about my books, please check out my website at stephanie-mcafee.com.

Since it is summer, could you share some of your picks for summer reads?

A huge thanks to Stephanie for taking time out of her busy schedule to answer my
questions! I hope you all will pick up her books, they are the perfect get away books when you need something light and funny. Ace's antics will make you laugh. Thanks to the good folks at Penguin, I am able too offer a chance to win Down and Out in Bugtussle by Stephanie McAfee. To enter read the Contest Policies and fill out the Rafflecopter. This giveaway is open to U.S. residents only.

When her dream life in Florida with her now-ex-fiancé goes south, so does Ace — she moves back home to Bugtussle, Mississippi, and into her late Gramma Jones' little house. But even though her best friends, Lilly and Chloe, are thrilled that she's returned home, not everything is smooth sailing. Ace wants her job back as art teacher at the high school, but the beautiful Cameron Becker has no plans to relinquish that position. Although Ace wants to run Miss Becker out of town, she accepts a job as a substitute teacher. On top of her job woes, Ace's friends keep setting her up on blind dates when all she really wants is for people to stop meddling in her love life. In her quest to find inner peace, Ace takes up gardening and discovers old love letters in her grandmother's well-worn gardening book. With her faithful chiweenie, Buster Loo, by her side, Ace is determined to get to the bottom of her Gramma's secret life, all while hoping her own doesn't implode. Paperback, 368 pages Published July 2nd 2013 by NAL Trade Source: Publisher for an honest review.

Four stars: Ace is back funnier than ever!

Ace packed up, closed her art gallery and left her former fiancé behind. She returned home to Bugtussle to her friends and her grandma's house. Even though it hurts to let go of her dreams, she is thankful to be back home among her friends. Ace accepts a job as a permanent substitute teacher in hopes of getting her old job back, but what Ace doesn't expect is to make some unlikely friends and grow a bit in spite of her issues with bullies and mean people. Can Ace find happiness back home where she belongs?

What I Liked:

I was pleased to see that Ace has gotten her sass and spark back. A bit of her snappy, snarky humor was missing in book two as she tried to turn over a new leaf and be nicer. I was glad that she gave that up and went back to standing up to the bullies and speaking her mind. Rest assured, there are plenty of mad cap moments as Ace gets into a few tangles because she refuses to back down, even if that means risking the wrath of the airport security all over Chapstick. If you loved Ace's humor in Diary of a Mad Fat Girl, you will enjoy her escapades in this book.

I adore Ace. She is one of those characters that you just can't help but like because she is genuine. She doesn't put on any airs and she is your normal, average every day person. She is a bit on the plump side because she tends to indulge in too much pizza and beer. Ace's witty humor makes me laugh out loud, and I am not talking the fake kind, I mean genuine laughing and snickering. I think many of us can sympathize with Ace as she struggles to fit into her pants, goes to work, deals with mean people and pushes through the day so she can rush home and change out of those too tight pants. If you are a fan of books with hilarious and realistic protagonists definitely give this series a try.

Even though Ace spends a great deal of time being angry and depressed about her broken dreams and too tight pants, she does show considerable growth in this book. She ends up taking her rival under her wing and helping her out even if it means she might lose out on getting her job back. I liked that Ace decided to take the high road. She is definitely moving beyond being mad and fat.

I love that this is a series that you can pick up any book and not miss a beat. There is not a main plot running through the books so you don't have to read them in order. These are books that you can grab and read and enjoy as they each follow whatever happens to be going on in Ace's life. These are simple, easy, funny reads perfect for when you need a pick me up or an afternoon on the beach or just lazing in the sun.

And The Not So Much:

I was a bit disappointed that there was not really much discussion on how things ended with Ace's fiancé. It mentioned that Ace went back and tried to work things out but failed. I would like to know more about what went down.

I was also frustrated that none of the story lines were picked up from book two, but then again it is nice that each book is its own story so you don't have to worry about reading them in order.

Down and Out in Bugtussle was the perfect summer read. I laughed and snickered at Ace's one of a kind humor. I love that this series follows a likable and realistic heroine who is battling the bulge and trying to find her happiness. I think many of us can relate to Ace's plight. If you are looking for a funny, mindless read to perk up your spirits or pull you out of a reading slump, I would highly recommend checking out The Diary of a Mad Fat Girl Series. I am a personally a big fan and I cannot wait to see what Ace will do next!

Favorite Quotations:

"I walk into the guest room and pick up the pants I ironed last night. When I put them on, I discover that they won't zip. Great, I think. Should've tried those on first. I head back to my closet and dig through my "teacher clothes" for the hundredth time. After several minutes of pure, unadulterated frustration, I locate a pair of black pants that I think will work. It's the "big" pair reserved for "fat" days. I take a deep breath and slip them on. It takes some huffing and puffing, but I finally get the bastards zipped. Who knew that two and a half months of wearing nothing but sweatpants would put such a strain on the ol' buttonholes?"

"I think about fist-whipping her fake tits until one pops out onto the gym floor, but then Chole would fire me for sure and I don't need that, so instead I say, "I'm supposed to be in the gym, Ms. Becker! "I'm not here on cock-watch."

"I start thinking I'd rather go lie in the parking lot and be run over by incoming traffic than be in this classroom all day, but I want my job back, so I've to to stay with it. My ass isn't getting any smaller and my pants aren't getting any bigger, but all I can do is sit there and fantasize about chocolate-covered doughnuts."

"Not happening. Sorry. I don't tolerate bitches and bullies. I never will."

"Damn those tight-ass "fat" pants. Damn them! I won't buy a size up, I won't. I put the book down and wonder if instead I should be reading a book called How Not to Be a Fatass When You've Read every Damned Book in Print About How Not to Be a Fatass but You're Still a Fatass and Here's Why!

"I'd rather have eyelashes burnt off with a flamethrower."

I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own and I was not compensated for this review.

Happily Ever Madder (Mad Fat Girl #2) by Stephanie McAfee

Diary of a Mad Fat Girl’ s plus-sized spitfire Graciela “Ace” Jones returns in a hilarious new adventure from New York Times bestselling author Stephanie McAfee.

Ace has left the tiny Mississippi town of Bugtussle for the palm fronds and mojitos of Pelican Cove, Florida. She’s finally opening her long-dreamed-of art gallery, is kick-starting a life with her fiancé, Mason, and has vowed to leave her straight-talking, sassy ways behind her. From now on, she’s going to be as sweet as sugar. Unfortunately, something comes along to sour her plans.

That something is Mrs. Lenore Kennashaw and her coterie of crones. They’re a bunch of snippy, snarky, and just plain mean ’ol ladies who aren’t quite as smart or rich as they’d like to think they are. But that doesn’t stop them from treating everyone else like second-class citizens. And when Ace inadvertently takes some of the steam from Mrs. Kennashaw’s stride, she becomes their #1 enemy. But with the support of a new group of fabulous friends, as well as her friends from Bugtussle—and her always-faithful chiweenie Buster Loo—Ace will find a way to make it, even if she has to throw some weight around…Paperback, 341 pages Published November 6th 2012 by NAL Trade Source: Publisher for an honest review.

Three and a half stars: Ace will make you laugh as she finds that there are bullies everywhere!

Ace believes she has found her happiness and all her dreams are about to come true. She is opening her own art gallery in Pelican Cove, Florida. She finally has landed the man of her dreams, Mason McKenzie, and she is free of all the bullies in Bugtussle. On the opening night of her gallery, Ace encounters the town's bully, Lenore Kennashaw. Ace doesn't exactly get off on the right foot with Lenore. Unbeknownst to Ace, Lenore takes it personally and decides to try and tamper with Ace's new business. Thankfully, Ace makes a few friends who have her back. Unfortunately, life in Florida isn't all roses. Mason works long hours and is hardly home, the gallery is boring and Ace is missing her friends in Bugtussle. Can Ace overcome the town mean girls and find her happiness in Florida?

What I Liked:

I was excited to meet up again with Ace and see how she is faring now that she has her man and her dreams. Just like in real life, there aren't always happily ever afters, and Ace is finding that there are mean people and bullies everywhere. At first, Ace is committed to turning over a new leaf and not letting her temper get the best of her, but soon in true Ace fashion, best intentions go out the window and Ace is back to being mad. Ace decides to strike back and that means a mission that involves breaking and entering, exposing frauds, and taking on the mean girls. You can be sure that there is plenty of hilarity as Ace and her friends attempt to win one for the mad, fat girls!

How I love Ace! She is one of those characters that you can't help but like because she is real! Ace is a plus sized girl, and she comfortable in her own skin. She eats what she wants, wear flip flops and doesn't seem to give a damn what others think of her. I love that she is content with her appearance, and I love that her fiancé loves her just the way she is. It is nice to read a book where the heroine isn't uptight and always worrying about weight and outward appearances. On top of all that, Ace is a straight shooter and she isn't afraid to speak her mind. When she is bullied, she only takes so much before she lets them have it. Gotta love a girl who can dish it out. Ace cracks me up with her snarky humor, and I am always eager to see what kind of trouble she can get into!

This is a growing book for Ace. In the first book, she was mad, angry and depressed that she had lost her man. This time, she learns that perhaps she didn't have such a bad life in Bugtussle and she comes to appreciate friends and understand that there are no happily ever afters. Ace undergoes some big changes and definitely learns a thing or two.

And The Not So Much:

This book lacks a bit of hilarity compared to its predecessor, Diary of a Mad Fat Girl. In the beginning, Ace is committed to turning over a new leaf so she refuses to speak her mind. She also suffers from loneliness and she is a bit melancholy. Thus, the overall tone of the book isn't as funny. Thankfully, things pick up by the end and I thoroughly enjoyed the plotting against the town mean lady!

There are several unfinished story lines in this one. After all the devious plans, there is no resolution regarding the town bully. Did she get what she deserved? I also was disappointed that nothing really developed with the crazy ladies who ran Ace's home association. I would have liked a bit more resolution with these story lines.

The book ends on a cliffhanger and it seems all of Ace's dreams are down the drain. I was left eagerly anticipating the next book Down and Out in Bugtussle.

Happily Ever Madder is a funny book perfect for a day at the beach or anytime you are looking for a great pick me up read. Ace Jones is a likable and relatable character since she is plump and deals with plenty of bullies. I adore Ace and appreciate that she refuses to be bullied. Definitely get this series!

Favorite Quotations:

"Where will it go?" I ask as I walk across the floor of the gallery, thankful I wore my make-my-fat-ass-look-good jeans today because I can sense his eyes on my backside."

"Great," I say and make a mental note to take a steak knife with me next time I go to the office. Just in case I need to start sawing on my arm."

"When we sit down to eat, I say a silent prayer that he won't start talking about work, and then he starts talking about work and I start thinking about gouging my eyes out with my soupspoon, because then he'd have to stop talking and drive me to the emergency room. Or the nuthouse."

"I get upset and think about running back to my car and going home, but I need to get this done, so I just stand there and tell myself that I can do this because I wear my Big Girl Panties every day."

I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own and I was not compensated for this review.